Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Norfolk to Omaha move
What to know before moving from Norfolk to Omaha
Moving from Norfolk to Omaha comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Omaha is generally more expensive than Norfolk, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Norfolk | Omaha | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,500 | $1,295 |
| Average home value | $283,890 | $275,214 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,484 | $65,359 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,769 | $3,133 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,552 | $4,020 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 3.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 6.64% |
- Rent prices in Omaha are 14% lower than in Norfolk, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Omaha.
Home prices in Omaha are 3.1% lower than in Norfolk. - Income in Omaha is 3.0% higher than in Norfolk, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Omaha include Berkshire Hathaway, C&A Industries, and Union Pacific.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Omaha, since the cost of living for a single person in Omaha is 13.1% higher than in Norfolk. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Omaha is 27.6% lower than in Norfolk.
- The unemployment rate in Omaha is 53.42% lower than in Norfolk.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Omaha, since the cityโs sales taxes in Omaha are 16.67% higher than in Norfolk.
- State income taxes in Omaha are 15.48% higher than in Norfolk.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,394.37 in Omaha to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Norfolk.
How life is different in Norfolk vs. Omaha
| Omaha | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,335 | 238,005 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 42 | 47 |
| Crime Index | 45.72 | 58.1 |
| Safety Index | 54.28 | 41.9 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Omaha is about 103% greater than Norfolk, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Omaha without a car might be more difficult than in Norfolk. Omaha has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Norfolk is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Omaha to be about as walkable as Norfolk. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 48 and 46 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Omaha, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Norfolk. While Norfolk has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, Omaha earned a 42. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Omaha has a lower crime rate than Norfolk based on scores of 45.72 and Norfolk's 58.1, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Omaha than in Norfolk, based on Omahaโs safety index of 54.28 versus 41.9 for Norfolk. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Omaha and Norfolk is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Norfolk vs. Omaha move
- Weather: Omaha has hot summers and cold winters. Most rain fall occurs during the warmer months.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: The Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) regulates local and intrastate moving companies within the state. All movers must have a Certificate of Authority issued by the NPSC, maintain minimum levels of insurance, and comply with regulations set forth by the Commissionโs Motor Carrier Division. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Nebraska, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Nebraska doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Omaha without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost choice with minimal coverage, as movers are liable for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For example, if your mover misplaces or damages a valuable antique weighing 30 pounds, you'd receive $18 (60 cents x 30 pounds). For broader coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider consulting a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Omaha
With your sights set on "Big "O"", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Omaha.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Benson
- Aksarben/Elmwood Park
- Old Market
- Midtown Crossing
- Blackstone
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dundee
- Aksarben/Elmwood Park
- West Omaha
- Millard
- Field Club
Things to do in Omaha
Now that you've made the move to Nebraska, itโs the perfect time to explore Omaha. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Omaha, such as the The Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Children's Museum, General Crook House Museum, and Freedom Park Navy Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Heartland of America Park, Kenefick Park, First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park, and Zorinsky Lake and Recreation Area โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Creighton Bluejays (NCAA), Omaha Mavericks (NCAA), Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A East), or Omaha Lancers (USHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Omaha?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Norfolk to Omaha are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Norfolk are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Norfolk to Omaha?
With many people choosing to move from Norfolk to Omaha in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Norfolk to Omaha take?
Moving from Norfolk, VA to Omaha, NE covers 1,330 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Norfolk movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Omaha.
